A West Bank Jewish settler was charged in court Wednesday with unnecessarily shooting an Arab to death and wounding another in a skirmish near Shiloh on May 5.
The victim, a shepherd from Turmus Aiya village, was accosted by the accused, Yisrael Zeev, who ordered him and three other Arabs to leave a field belonging to Shiloh, where they were grazing their sheep.
According to the charge sheet, Zeev fired into the air. One of the shepherds allegedly cried out “Yisrael, don’t shoot, we are leaving.” But Zeev continued to shoot, killing one shepherd and wounding another.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. His lawyer, pointing out that Zeev was sent by the settlement’s security officer to oust the Arabs from the field, said the incident might have been a mistake.
If it was, it was “honest and reasonable” because the defendant believed he was protecting women and children when he shot the shepherds the lawyer told the court.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
